Duffy maker may challenge Hill for Newport Beach City Council

Under mounting pressure from friends, electric boat builder Marshall “Duffy” Duffield is considering a run for a seat on the Newport Beach City Council.

If he chooses to compete in the November election, Duffield would face Mayor Rush Hill in District 3.

Well-known for his popular namesake boats, likened to golf carts on water, Duffield is one of the most knowledgeable people on the harbor, said Balboa Island resident Bob McCaffrey.

The potential candidate also served on the Harbor Commission for 10 years, until 2012.

“There is nothing more important as far as attracting people to Newport Beach than the water,” said McCaffrey, who is hosting a “Draft Duffy” party at his home Wednesday.

With three council members — Mike Henn, Leslie Daigle and Nancy Gardner — reaching their term limits this year and Hill up for reelection, McCaffrey said 2015 offered an opportunity to bring change to a government that has been overspending.

Councilman Keith Curry would also give up his seat if elected to the Assembly.

Still, Duffield said he does not plan to decide whether he will run until after the fundraiser.

“I am looking forward to the outcome of the event before I make a decision,” he wrote in an email Friday.

Hill — whose mayoral agenda has included looking into a pilot program for floating docks in the harbor as well as a water taxi system — said he believes Duffy is a great asset to the community with respect to the harbor.

But he added that he looked forward to hearing Duffy’s thoughts on other issues, such as labor negotiations, general plan amendments and revitalization efforts.

“My only exposure to Duffy has been discussions with the harbor,” he said.

The election is set for Nov. 4.